How to Choose a Media Console or TV Stand

Media storage from Crate and Barrel brings stylish organization to your space. From books and DVDs to decorative vases and sculptures, our storage cabinets allow you to showcase favorite decor items while storing away cords, remotes and game consoles. In living rooms, family rooms, home offices and even bedrooms, find media furniture that complements existing decor, such as sofas and coffee tables. Read on to learn more about how to choose a media console or TV stand.

TV Stands

While many people have switched to slimmer flat screen and panel TV sets, there are still larger "tube-style" televisions that require more surface space on a media console. For this style, you want to make sure the TV stand's surface is big enough to support the equipment. With flat screen TVs, the width of the TV console needs to only be as wide as the base. Many people also prefer the console's top to be larger than the width of the TV so there is room for speakers, decorative objects and other family room necessities.

Width

Our consoles are available in multiple widths to accommodate a range of television sizes. However, TV size isn't the only consideration. Considering what else you expect the TV stand to do will help you find the perfect size for your needs.

Height

A TV stand's height depends on the other furniture in the room and how the individual likes to view their set. Today many people mount their unit on a wall and so the actual height of the cabinet is not as important as it once was. If the TV console is meant to support the TV, think about how high you want it off the ground for comfortable viewing. Our media stands are available in various heights from short to tall based on viewing preference.

Storage and Component Function

Media centers often provide storage space for an entire room. They are designed to hold a variety of media components, including DVR players, cable boxes, dedicated video streamers, speakers and gaming systems. Our media centers often combine open and closed storage so you can showcase the aspects of your media collection you are most proud of while concealing items that you prefer to remain out of site. We also feature solid wood doors that create visual harmony with other pieces in your room, such as coffee tables. Many people use remotes that function using light so the components need to be able to receive the signal. Open storage spaces and glass fronts work best for this type of remote. More and more Bluetooth technology is being integrated into remotes that allow them to work when completely concealed. If you prefer to conceal your entire TV, we offer a limited choice of TV cabinets.